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Fooled by Fake Hematite? Get Real!
Is your Hematite real of fake? Be one of the very few people in the world who knows what real Hematite is.
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Watch the video on fake vs real Hematite
Watch the video on Real vs Fake Hematite to see examples and hear the explanation of both.
What is Hematite?
Hematite is an iron ore prized for its high iron content. This mineral appears shiny black to silvery gray in its solidified formation but is an earthy red in its powdered form.
To learn in-depth about Hematite, visit Hematite Crystal Meaning.
What is Hemalyke™?
Hemalyke™, or Hemalike, is the brand name for Hematine, a manmade material. Trademarked Hemalyke™ has an upfront motto: a "look alike" for natural hematite--without its cost.
The formulas for Hematine vary but can consist of Iron, Barium Strontium Ferrite, Calcium, Manganese, Stainless Steel, Nickel, etc. It is closely related to Hematite in chemical formula but is easy to produce but the results are more uniform and stable than the real thing.
Hematine is often magnetized and used for magno-therapy properties. You may see "Zipper Magnets" being sold as Magnetic Hematite in novelty gift shops.
Hematine is cheap and abundant and has fooled many buyers (and vendors) into believing that it's the real thing.
How can you tell if your Hematite is real?
Sure, the sellers told you it was Hematite because they didn’t know the difference. Or maybe they thought you wouldn’t buy it if you knew the truth?
That’s okay.
There’s nothing wrong with manufactured Hematine, but you want to experience the true protective powers of nature-made Hematite, don't you?
The best way to determine if your Hematite is real is to find a reputable seller who knows what they are selling you. If you do not have access to a reputable seller, here are some tips to follow to tell if your Hematite is real:
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Real Hematite is a 5 to 6 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This makes it harder than stainless steel. It will not be scratched by stainless steel (which is a 5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness). Use your steel keys, knife, or scissors to scratch the surface of the stone. It should not scratch. However, some fakes won't scratch either and low-grade Hematite may scratch in weak spots.
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Real Hematite will never have air bubbles. Air bubbles are an indication of glass. Use a magnifying jeweler's loupe to help you see into the stone.
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Real Hematite should be priced accordingly. Real Hematite is rarer than Hemalyke, which is abundant and cheap.
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Real Hematite will always have a red streak. Despite its outwardly gray appearance, real Hematite will always show red in the crystal streak test. Hemalyke usually leaves a gray streak, however, there are newer formulas where fake Hematite has more of the red powder, so beware.
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Real Hematite will have inclusions. Notice the mineral inclusions, red spots, veins, craters, dips, and imperfections in your Real Hematite that you will not find in perfectly smooth Hematine.
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Real Hematite will have sharper edges. Hematine's edges, like the ones seen around bead holes, will have smooth, unchipped curves.
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Real Hematite is not magnetic. Real Hematite may have weak to no magnetic attraction, but Hematine can be made very magnetic. However, if Real Hematite has a lot of Magnetite growing with it, it can be deceptively magnetic.
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Real Hematite's magnetic pull strengthens with heat. If it has a magnetic property, Real Hematite will get strong with high heat while magnetic Hematine gets magnetically weaker as it is heated.
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Real Hematite is weighty. It is a solid and dense mineral and should be heavier than other stones of the same size. Its specific gravity is a dense 5.3 compared to the average stone which has a lighter specific gravity between 2.5 and 3.0.
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Real Hematite will be cool to the touch. Like most natural stones, Hematite will be cold to the touch and will take a while to absorb the heat from your hands whereas other materials like plastic or glass will be warmer.
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Real Hematite does not have birefringence. For this, you need a polarized light. Birefringence means the stone will doubling of images in different angles of light. Real Hematite will show a single image throughout the test.
- Real Hematite is opaque. No light should pass through.
- Real Hematite is electrically conductive. It can scroll your touchscreens like a stylus or your finger. Hematine usually can not.
None of these tests are conclusive in themselves. If you are still unsure, you can send your Hematite to a certified gemological laboratory for testing. You can also find additional tips in the Crystal Identification Help.
Is Iridescent Hematite real?
Iridescent Hematite, or Rainbow Hematite, is a Hematine that has been coated with titanium or other metals to create a colorful luster. You will find this rainbow coating used on many different stones, real or fake, to enhance their attractiveness.
There is a real Rainbow Hematite that can be found in its raw formation coated with a natural layer of aluminum phosphate, but it is rare and expensive. Real Rainbow Hematite is coveted by collectors and won't be a dime-a-dozen like the fake stuff.
Is Specular Hematite real?
Specular Hematite, or Specularite, is a luminous variant of Hematite. The crystal surface glitters with glossy mineral flakes of Hematite, often mistaken for Mica flakes.
Be cautious of vendors selling Specular Hematite slabs encased in resin. Shiny slabs are not natural. Understanding your purchase is key!
Is it a Meteorite or Hematite?
Hematite is sometimes found in Meteorites and Meteorites often have a similar heavy, metallic feel as Hematite.
To tell them apart, Meteorites have a weak gray or no streak whereas Hematite has a red streak. Because of the value of real Meteorites, we suggest you consult a certified gemologist to verify your find.
What is plated Hematite?
Plated Hematite is supposedly the natural stone coated with any number of metals to give it a lustrous sheen ranging from gold to metallic blue to rainbow.
We have seen some vendors claim that the stones under the coating are the real deal, and yet they do not sell any uncoated Hematite beads. This is highly suspicious. Think twice if you are buying plated Hematite beads being sold as the real deal.
Other shops may be selling a metallic black, gunmetal-plated metal and simply calling the color Hematite.
Shop Natural Hematite Stones
The power of real Hematite can never be replaced by Hematine. Go ahead, try it for yourself. Here are a few real stones from the Satin Crystals' Hematite Collection to add to your treasures.
What about Hematine?
And look! We even have Hematine for you! The difference between Satin Crystals and other shops is… we don’t try to trick you. We name our stones for what they are.
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Disclaimer: The metaphysical information provided is for entertainment only. See full disclosure.
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